Long Beach, CA prepares to mark the big 5-0 for the Community Development Block Grant Program, as city officials announced a week of outreach events kicking off in April. Mayor Rex Richardson expressed the significant impact that the federal funding has had on the city, stating, "The funding we've received has been a catalyst for transformative change in Long Beach," in a statement obtained by the City of Long Beach's official website.
The weeklong festivities, scheduled from April 1-6, aim to not only celebrate but also to actively engage the public in discussions about the trajectory of community improvements. As reported by the City of Long Beach, the event lineup includes workshops and community meetings that are meant to dynamically to engage locals and gather input on the city's utilization of the annual grant program.
According to the same source, Long Beach has smartly used the CDBG funds to bolster infrastructure, support low- and moderate-income families, and fuel economic growth, with notable ventures such as the Home Improvement Roof Grant Program, which dishes out up to $20,000 for eligible homeowners needing a roof over their head—literally.
Christopher Koontz, the director of Long Beach’s Community Development Department, underscored the CDBG Program's pivotal role, saying, "The successful housing developments and improvement projects we’ve achieved simply would not have been possible if not for the CDBG Program." He told the City of Long Beach's website that federal dollars have been put to work in beneficial ways for the community.
Events like the "How to Navigate Affordable Housing" workshop and the "First-Time Homebuyer Community Workshop" cater to the city's need for accessible housing knowledge, while sessions like "Fair Housing Workshop 101" and the community meetings on the City's Action Plan prioritize fairness and citizen input. Details on timings and joining instructions are available in the city's official press release.
To learn more about Long Beach’s Community Development initiatives or for information about the events of Community Development Week, citizens can visit the city’s website or contact the Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau directly.
